Chryslers added to Wetmore's auto dealership

Wetmore's Jeep Dodge Ram in New Milford has added a fourth brand to its New Milford auto dealership -- Chrysler.

Wetmore's began offering the Chrysler line in May on its lot just south of the Route 7/Lanesville Road intersection.

"We've wanted to add Chrysler for some time," said Scott Brittingham Jr., Wetmore's general manager.

"Then Chrysler approached us recently to make their cars available in New Milford," he remarked.

There hasn't been a dealership in New Milford carrying Chryslers since 2008, when Jim Williams, the owner of Southworth's, dropped the Chrysler line.

That same year, Wetmore's picked up the Dodge dealership with the closing of Valley Dodge on Park Lane Road (Route 202).

"We've been servicing and carrying warranties on Chrysler vehicles for some time," Mr. Brittingham explained. "Now, on the lot, we have the Chrysler 200 -- a small sedan available as a convertible -- the Chrysler 300, and Chrysler's Town & Country minivan."

The business was opened by Frank Wetmore as Wetmore's Garage, an auto repair and body shop, in the 1920s.

Decades later, it became Wetmore's Jeep in the late 1970s or early 1980s, according to the family.

By then, Mr. Wetmore's son, Donald, had taken over the business. He retired in 2007 after managing Wetmore's for more than 50 years.

And Jinny and Scott Brittingham Sr., Mr. Wetmore's his daughter and son-in-law, took over the business.

"I started that fall as the assistant service manager," said the younger Mr. Brittingham.

"People ask me all the time how we've stayed open with so many other dealerships closing," Mr. Brittingham said. "It's been a tough road. But I believe the reason is the service we provide."

"People like being able to buy their vehicle locally and have it serviced locally," he concluded. "When they walk through our doors, they know myself or one of the other owners will be there to say `hi' to them by name. There's no pressure and the service is personalized. People like that."

Wetmore's Jeep Dodge Ram Chrysler dealership is open with salespeople Mondays through Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, call 860-354-3963.